May the Fourth Awards Mercs Council

Mandalorian Mercs

ISSUE 2 MERCS COUNCIL RESHUFFLE We introduce you to your new Council members.

BUILDING A CLAN Dana Black’s mission to form a Dutch Clan. REGIONAL LOGOS Why Euro RC, Niabi, re-introduced an old tradition.

MAY THE FOURTH AWARDS Mercs CAO discusses what’s up for grabs!

PLANNING FOR

The Mandalorian Mercs is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans and volunteers. It is the elite Mandalorian costuming organization. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. ©2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™ All rights reserved. Used under authorization. welcome Greetings Mando Mercs members, friends, and fans,

It seems like yesterday we were putting the finishing touches to issue #1, and now we’re releasing issue #2. We’ve had many developments in the Mercs and Star Wars since last issue; Episode VII director announcement, ‘3D Episodes on hold’ announcement, Membership Tiers, Verd’ika Corps kids club, Celebration Europe...the list could go on.

6 years ago this March, a small website and forum was launched to bring existing Mandalorian costumers into an organized and represented group among the Star Wars community. From that small handful of people, Mandalorian Mercs has become home to thousands of members and fans around the world. My goal is to ensure that your Mercs family is here for your benefit, and that our home is a fixture in the Star Wars Universe. With your help, and the tireless help of others...we’ve been able to accomplish that goal thus far.

If you’re a new reader, then I challenge you to pick up the Mercs’ banner and join us as we venture into the uncertain and exciting future of Star Wars.

For Mandalore, and for you!

Tom Hutchens Mandalore the Uniter Founder/CO MMCC Contents 2 - Welcome 8 - Member Highlight Mandalore the Uniter introduces the magazine. BCM talks to German Mercs Leader Ratiin Adenn. 3 - Point of Order 9 - Focus on Organisation CAO Pointoforigin discusses the May 4th Awards. Europe Regional Commander, Niabi, discusses his 4 - The Road to Celebration Europe reasons for bringing back an old tradition. A quick synopsis of all the work that goes into orga- 10 - Bounty Hunter nising a big event. Jeremy Bulloch addresses the Mercs in style. 5 - Building a new Chapter 11 - Let us Welcome We talk to Dana Black about bringing the Dutch We introduce you to the newest members of the members together to form a clan. Mercs Council. 7 - In the Workshop 15 - Dear Gabby Saz and other builders discuss the 5 essential tools Mercs members have their troubles and concerns for costuming. answered.

Battle cry has a UK English Editor but all US English contributions have not been changed. The Mercs are an International club where all cultures and languages are respected. The Mandalorian Mercs is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans and volunteers. It is the elite Mandalorian costuming organization. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. ©2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™ All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 2 POINTOF ORDER MAY 4TH AWARDS Since taking on the role of Clan Administration Officer in late 2011, I’ve seen many changes in this club, and lots of expansion. Part of the CAO role includes keeping track of all the ‘Invasions’ for the club, as well as keeping an eye on sta- tistics and running Clan elections. Between the months of May and December 2012, the Mercs recorded 425 Invasions worldwide. I also oversee the Mercs ‘May the 4th’ Awards, unique to any Star Wars costuming club. As May 4th is such a significant day for all of us in Star Wars fandom it seemed appropriate to run it then.

The awards detail achievements of individuals and Clans relating to attended invasions (“Ground Pounder” for individuals, “Hard Contact” for Clans), the number of photos a member has appeared in in an official capacity (“Poster- boy”), Clans with the most new members (“Recruitment”), milestone awards for the total number of invasions over a member’s Mercs career, and member- voted, one-off novelty awards such as “Most Scarred” and “Terrifying”.

Since last year’s awards, the Mercs have more than a hundred extra faces to participate, now 700 members in total. Which awards will you or your Clan pick up this time around? Will you achieve “Ground Pounder” status with the number of times you’ve Invaded? Will you display your Clan’s ability to bring in new members with the Recruitment award? Or will you achieve the novelty awards for this year, with brand new awards on the table? Find out this May the 4th!

THE IMPORTANCE OF ADMINISTRATION The Mercs is an unique group. It’s all about fun but it Administration Officer. is also one of the hardest working costume groups out there. Whilst the club offers incentives (and bragging rights) to those who represent the club the most, it also has Since its inception the Mercs has grown in member- to deal with the members who do not live up to the ship, set the bar for canon Mandalorian costuming, agreement. This usually results in members being catered for members’ imaginations, created a charity retired and losing their membership privileges, mean- and ways for every single member to excel past our ing retired members will have to re-apply to gain their basic costume requirements. membership back.

As the club grows, so does the need to ensure that Whilst clan leadership is responsible for reporting, each member enjoys the rights of the club and cel- every member should ensure that their troops have ebrates their involvement. been reported to the CAO, using simple methods like a logging thread on your clan boards to keeping an excel Apart from the Freelancer Guild, all members are spreadsheet with all your troops. involved with a regional clan. This clan’s leadership are responsible for members’ administration, ensuring Remember, if troops haven’t been reported, the club the club’s rules are enforced, Costume Requirements cannot acknowledge your participation. are adhered to and they also report yearly to the Clan 3 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry THE ROAD TO

Celebration Europe could not have come at a better time for the Mercs. The UK Vok’chi clan had been one of the founding clans of the Mercs and for a long time were the only bastion in Europe when the first Celebration Europe arrived in London. But a lot has changed since then, three new European Clans have grown (and looking for an excuse to get together) and a fourth looking for that spark to gain enough members to become an official clan of the Mercs. So it seemed like a dream come true when Lucasfilm announced 26th July as the first day European Mercs would unite.

But it wasn’t the easiest of roads, plenty of discussion and planning needed to be done before the Mercs would be ready to show Europe just how far they had come and it all needed to be done in less than a year! The Mercs had to begin by declaring that they would wish to attend the show as an exhibitor, receiving the ap- plication forms, the Mandalore and the PR Officer filled the forms in and declared the members who would be in charge of the table.

Members of Jai’galaar Clan put forward the proposed design given to Lucasfilm Ltd. The Mercs have included several opportunities for fans to have photographs with the Mercs and a scene for them to appear in front of.

Behind the scenes, the German Clan also arranged the block booking with a local hotel not too far away from the event and members began to talk amongst themselves about how they could help the Mercs achieve the set up.

The PR Officer was invited to a costume group roundtable with Lucas- film and several of the other Cos- tuming clubs from around Europe to discuss issues like a proposed parade and who would be appropriate as compère for events.

Currently the Mercs are waiting on their given floor space so plans can be altered and based on the impres- sive efforts as Celebration VI, if the Mercs will be allocated their re- quested floor space they will have some very big shoes to fill.

Clan officers have been invited to a dedicated forum to help organise amongst themselves, and quite a bit of work has already been done, including a panel proposal, the Han Solo in Carbonite is being build and several sections of the set up idea.

As soon as we know we know our allocation from Lucasfilm, that’s when the real work starts.

Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 4 BUILDING A NEW CHAPTER Every Merc who has been involved in building a squad or clan knows how hard it is to begin from nothing. It certainly harks back to the troubled, yet exciting early days that our first Mercs dealt with. Building a clan takes dedication and sacrifice, as well as good negotiation skills, not only with up coming members, but other costuming clubs as well and the Netherlands is no exception. You have to take opportunities as they come and Dana Black has used the motivation of Celebration Europe II to encourage Dutch members to complete their kits, with the real prospect that, come 26th July, Europe will be showing off its newest clan to the world.

“It is important that we can show everyone that there is a solid base for the Mandalorian Mercs in the Netherlands and that people are welcome to come and join us.”

Dana’s relationship with the Mercs started with her son, Xyyr Black on the forum.

“My son had his costume before I did, but being a verd’ika, he couldn’t get official before I did. So that was my push to finish my costume.”

It took Dana six months to complete her son’s armor and It Dana is one of the most well travelled of the took another six months to complete her own. European Mercs, trooping with Jai’galaar and visiting the Vok’chi in London Currently there are only two Dutch Official Members, but Dana hopes they will build on that number, including her son. The other Official Member is Tenoth, with Nayru, Higgs, Jan’la and Stilsgar all being active in the country.

“Coming April, we will have three to four more, So maybe we can apply directly for Clan-status.”

One way Dana and Tenoth are working to bring more members in is with armor parties.

“We got to talk about having an Armor Party, [Tenoth] and Nayru wanted to facilitate the party, but I had a larger garden, and moved it to my place. It was very nice meeting everyone and finding out about each other’s skills.”

Dana is happy with the progress of her clan-to-be. They Dana and Tenoth are the only current Official even created a banner. Members of the Mercs in the Netherlands, but it’s just a matter of time. “Actually, all the members are progressing nicely,” said Dana Black. “Nayru, Xyyyr, Higgs, Jan’la and Stilsgar will probably be ready by the time of the ‘Elf Fantasy Fair’. The rest hope to be finished by Celebration.”

The European Clans look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Dutch at Celebration Europe II.

5 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry JOIN THE MANDALORIAN MERCS

COSTUME CLUB

FEATURING THE FIRST GATHERING OF MEMBERS REPRESENTING: FRANCE GERMANY NETHERLANDS PORTUGAL SWITZERLAND & UNITED KINGDOM

MESSE ESSEN, GERMANY 26th - 28th JULY 2013 Messe Essen Germany WWW.STARWARSCELEBRATION.EU IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Remo Jadd Member of UK Vok’Chi Clan IN THE WORKSHOP SAZ OFFERS TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOU BUILD YOUR KIT There are basic skills in model making and costuming that have to be practiced. ONDO Without them, you will find it a lot harder to do. Two of the most essential skills are using Car body filler (which is usually referred to by the brand name of “Bondo”) & and grey primer. I will be helping you get the best out of your build with Bondo and primer, as well as B RIMER general tips from other members of the club..

Car body fillerP is a great resource for model making Primer is one of the essential tools in model making and and costuming as long as you respect it. It’s original costuming. intention was as a filler for car repair work, so can bond to quite a few surfaces. It is Polyester resin It is a multifaceted medium, even though its main use based, so works well with fiberglass chemically. Here it to provide a stable base for paints to adhere to, its are some pointers for its use: neutral colour also dulls down the sur- TIP 1. Lay it on THINLY, it’s better to slowly build up layers I use a sandable fill- rounding light and differentiates the than have to spend time sanding back. er primer. It “builds surface enough for you to see tiny dif- 2. Ensure that your surface is stable, Bondo has a rigid up” upon applica- ferences. bond and will crack if the surface flexes. tion which helps the 3. It creates a layer in 360 degrees, so you will need to surface smoothing I was taught at art school to “walk process. sand in all directions to minimise pitting. away” from a project from time to time, 4. If you have pits in your bondo, use a very small -Hondo Karrthis allowed me to return and almost amount to fill it and sand back care- immediately I would see the issues. I fully. believe that waiting for primer to dry One of the biggest issues with Bondo gives you that “walk away” time. is that many people don’t know the correct way of mixing up the two Remember with primer: chemicals that make up the filler. The 1. Spray it thinly and evenly, follow the directions don’t tend to help as they directions on the can. talk about golf ball size filler to a pea The sanded bondo looks ok here. A little2. Do it safely, they are harmful chemi- bit more bondo and it’s done. sized amount of activator, which is cals so do it in a well ventilated area. great when you are doing big items, 3. If it is dripping, you’re too close. like a car, but what if you need a 4. Ensure you shake the can, primer small amount to just fill in some pits? can come out dusty without proper mixing. The Isopon (Bondo) brand help by 5. Leave adequate time to dry. staining the activator red, so when 6. When applying for paint, rub back your filler goes a nice shade of pink Primer shows you that things aren’t as your first layer with high grit sandpa- then you know it’s mixed correctly. good as you first thought. per, spray again, then rub back again After that it’s just experience with until your surface is smooth. the media, I use a yellow activator with a light yellow filler, but I know Finally, most of this lesson is born out from eye now just how much I need. of experience, knowledge of this will come after you make mistakes, don’t As a rule of thumb too much is bet- be afraid to make them, or you won’t learn anything! ter than too little when mixing and When you sand back, primer shows too little is better than too much where areas need filling - Saz when applying. NEXT WORKSHOP: Basic helmet prep 7 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry MEMBER HIGHLIGHT They say every Mandalorian is an unsung hero at some point in their lives. Every issue We will be finding those heroes and giving them a chance to tell you their story. This issue features one of our European members, the clan leader of Jai’galaar Clan, Ratiin Adenn. How did you find out about the Mercs? In 2009 I began playing a bounty hunter in a Star Wars role playing group. I had to describe my new character, so I began to search the internet for bounty hunters and Mandalorians. I found pictures of Boba (my favourite character) and Jango Fett. That was great, but I wanted a more individual style. Finally, I found pictures of un- known but great looking Mandalori- ans. From there I found out about the Mercs and registered on the site. How was that experience? Wow, there were all those clans and Mandalorians around the world! First I only lurked around in the forums and then I noticed that Germany had Photo by Axel Effman a clan! I was thrilled and immediately started with armour planning. The Jai´galaar members helped me with the parts I had problems with and I became official in April 2010, the same month where I had my very first troop at Jedi Con. What was the inspiration behind your armour? I am a great fan of Boba Fett. I decided to make my armour as a mixture of my own style and a dedication to the most famous bounty hunter. I also like the meaning of his colours, green for duty and red for honouring a parent. What does the Mercs mean to you? To me the Mercs is a community of family and good friends. It is a place where friendship, fun in costuming and creativity go together. I have found so many new friends and inspiring people here! What has been your most memorable experience? Trooping with my vode is always a pleasure, but the best thing at events is seeing the happy faces of the children! They love getting pictures with us and holding our weapons. My most memorable experience is that of a 4-year old little boy who insisted to hold my hand while his father took the photo! A lot of members have a reason for the motivation they have to Photo by Jango Jet be part of the Mercs, what is yours? The family-like feeling in the Mercs makes me proud to be part of the club. I found good friends here, expanded my horizon and learned new things. After some starting difficulties, everybody I contacted in the Mercs have been cooper- ative and kind to us Germans. I think there are more similarities than differences between people of various countries. I also advocate very much the Mercs focus on doing charity! In those times of crises it is very important to maintain sympathy and help disadvantaged people. Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 8 Focus on Organisation In 2007, the first Regional logos were introduced shortly after the forma- tion of Mercs. At the time, the Mercs only had 6 regions: US Southeast, US Northeast, US Great Lakes, US Pacific, Canada and UK. Over time though, as clans grew and regions changed, these logos were abandoned for the clan logo system.

In late 2012, European Regional Commander, Ken Giles, aka Niabi, proposed a return to a logo that represented the group as they worked together towards Celebration Europe II. As Regional Commander my primary role is to support the leadership of Clans and Squads within my region by answering questions from them, speaking to Council members on the behalf of my Chapters, passing information to the Chap- ters from the Council, and ensuring that organisational policies and procedures are being carried out. As Europe is a region with many different languages, an important part is also ensuring that the Chapter leaders do not miss or misunder- stand any important announcements that are made in English on the forum.

I was very keen to create something that the members of each Chapter within Europe had in common and could call their own. As each Chapter in Europe speaks a different language, communication between clans can be difficult as things can be lost in translation. With that in mind I felt that a logo was the best thing as it goes beyond language and is something at all members would under- stand. It is my hope that having the logo will be a focus to pulling all the areas EU Regional Commander together in to one Europe. Niabi I really feel that having a Logo for a region helps the Chapters to gel together as they all have one thing that they all own. I think that it will be a great thing for the MMCC as a whole, plus as few more logos could mean more patches, and who does not want more patches?

With 3 Clans, 1 Squad, and 2 prospective groups It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be to get them to agree. I initially put the idea out to each area and the response was very positive. I asked for ideas and eventually it was put to a vote. Each area had their own vote to allow the smaller groups to have an equal footing to the larger Clans. It was nearly an unanimous decision. I think that an important part of the idea was not having set colours, as it allows for individuals to use colours that they like, or have meaning to them.

I think the logo really brings Europe together. Celebration Europe II is our opportunity to make a massive impact on the European Star Wars Fandom and, with all the chapters coming together under one ‘banner’, this could be the foot hold we need to launch the Mandal- orian Merc’s takeover of Europe.

Finally, I hope that some of our vode from other regions will come The logos of the six original Mercs Regions and join us in Essen, as its going to be a great event, and the more in 2007 Mandos the better! 9 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry BOUNTYLOG ENTRY #2: BOBA FETT HUNTE PASSES ON ADVICE R Hello all you Mercs.

I am so pleased to be part of the Mercs and I do hope we all have some sort of get together at Celebration Europe II in Essen. I have always been wel- comed by all of you guys and the Mercs grow stronger by the day.

As you know, “Boba Fett” wanders around and tends to get into trouble with second-rate “Bounty Hunters”. So, If you want to become a strong Merc, as well as a true Bounty Hunter, you have to take various exams.

If you want to be as dangerous a foe as I am, keep working hard and pass those CRLs. However, if you have trouble in speaking Mandalorian within 3 months there is no chance for you.

I am honoured to be part of you all but beware don’t think you can destroy the “Fett”. I am watching...... ALL OF YOU! Photograph by Art Andrews

BOBA FETT (Jeremy) FLYING SOLO Learn more about the life and work of Jeremy Bulloch and discover: •HOW to tie a Windsor knot. •HOW Jeremy is related to Theodore and Franklin D Roosevelt. •WHY he is wary of dogs with impaired hearing. •WHAT it was claimed that Elizabeth Taylor could eat for break- fast. •HOW to chat up fashion models. •WHY Jeremy was once attacked in the street by an old lady. •WHY he won’t be making any more commercials in Sweden. Also in Flying Solo you will find tales of human and equine flatulence, several references to vodka, and lots about the British seaside town of Bognor Regis.

Get your copy of this amazing Autobiography by visiting www.jeremybulloch.com or buying one from him at the nearest convention appearance. Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 10 LET US WELCOME MERCS COMMAND COUNCIL

The Command Council’s duty is to oversee the running of the Mercs. Each member of the Council has a role that covers an express need of the club. These roles often require people of a level of skill and training, and the roles are not paid, so the Council members are given a right to affect the way the Mercs is run as “payment” for their service to the club.

Being a Council member isn’t a cushy job and every member is expected to put in as much as they reap from the role, so sometimes members decide it’s time to take it slow, and in 2013 we have seen a good turnover of the Council.

We take stock to thank the outgoing members and introduce you to the new members of the Command Council. Communications Officer - charged with overseeing the technical side of the Mercs including the forum, website, Social Media and moderation of online resources.

Outgoing: Jon Nichols (Taglar Dreskk) A member since the creation of the Mercs in 2007, Jon was key in building up the website and the forum for the Mercs, Mandalore always insists that the Mercs would not exist without Jon being there. Respected for being a no-nonsense member of the Mercs and the Council and, after 5 years looking after the site, Jon felt it best to return to being a member of the club and being a Merc at grass roots level. Jon continues to be a highly respected member of the club. COMMUNICATIONS

Incoming: Ian Lusk (Biohazard) Ian was a busy bee before taking over the role via apprenticeship to Jon, Ian was already providing web graphics for Jon’s team, as well as leading the Art Team for the PR team and organising the Keld- abe Talk Radio prior to taking on Jon’s responsibilities in 2012. Ian has been responsible for the “look” of the Mercs since his involvement with the web team and continues to support and work with PR using his unique knowledge to help get their ideas out there.

Personnel Officer - Responsible for creating and maintaining the Costume Requirement Lists and Official -Mem bership database, overseeing the Applications team and advising Ruus’alors in their role.

Outgoing: P J Reindel (Hondo Karr) P J has been the Personnel officer since the dawn of time (or at least that’s what he told us). He helped shape the way the Mercs standards grew from a group of guys with rag tag armour to build detailed, yet achievable Costume Requirements and helped the apps team ensure that the club was dubbed “the Elite” Mandalorian Costume Club. P J championed the power of the Ruus’alor and spearheaded training with the apps team to give each clan a helping hand in enforcing the CRLs at a local level. After 5 years of service, he felt it was time to relax and enjoy the club at a membership level, rather then leadership level, so he could focus more on local level costuming, prop making, other costuming avenues and real life.

PERSONNEL

Incoming: Chris Brown (Remo Jadd) Chris Joined the Mercs in 2010 with a kit that went above and beyond the CRLs and made a name for himself as a member who gave good advice throughout the club. Chris was the natural choice to become a member of the applications team and worked tirelessly along with his team members to oversee the mass spurt of growth seen in 2011 and 2012. Chris proved to the Council with his top quality kit and his experience in the Applica- tions team that he was the perfect member to fill P.J.’s boots.

11 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry Brigadier - Charged with maintaining the Brigades and overseeing the creation of new Elite divisions.

Outgoing: Steve Gavin (Slade Kel Marrok)

Slade accepted the role of Brigadier during the program’s inception, he turned what began as a contraversial change to the Mercs structure into a working and functional area to help encourage members to become more than a basic CRL pass. Slade’s leadership and guidance has helped to form many of the elite brigades approved by the Council. In late 2012, Slade resigned as Brigadier to concentrate on his personal life. BRIGADIER

Incoming: John Doelher (Rokeim Gekla)

John has been a member of the Assault Brigade since its inception. As a Brigade member, John showed the Council that his knowledge of the Brigade Requirement Lists and his ability to discuss them constructively with potential Brigade members is invaluable. Archivist - MMCC Secretary, Mandalore’s Administrative Aid.

Outgoing: Susan Easter (Gabrin Kinoda)

Susan exemplified the heart of the Command Council, over the 5 years she has been on the Council she has supported the group in many ways, her role has changed many times as the Council have needed it, which finally settled upon the Archivist role set up by the 2013 Codex and procedure. After her 5 years on Council, Susan felt it best to allow another member the opportunity to fill the new role so she could concentrate on working with the 501st’s 70th Explorers Garrison and focus on her new Mercs role as Yustapir Clan’s Ruus’alor. ARCHIVIST Incoming: Zach Flott (Cajun)

Becoming Official in 2012, Zach has proven himself to be a chatty member of the club, a skill that will be no doubt useful in his role as Archivist, picked from 2 outstanding candidates, Zach will be handling day-to-day administrative needs and communications. Alor - Council Chair, overseer of disciplinary issues, second to Mandalore.

Outgoing: Brandon Easter (Darian Ordo)

Appointed by Mandalore, Brandon defined the Alor role. His experience in the Police force afforded him the ability to change the Mercs disciplinary system into a structured and fair process. Brandon was asked by the G.I. Joe/Cobra Costuming group “The Finest” to be their XO, seeking a new challenge, Brandon accepted the role and resigned as Alor of the club. ALOR

Incoming: Rob Dawkins (Ohl’d Vart)

Rob was appointed after much deliberation between the candidates selected. Rob will bring the experience the Council relied upon with Brandon as well as being one of the most respected members in the Mandalo- rian Mercs. His work in Florida has been outstanding and his wisdom and organisational skills there will now benefit the Mercs as a whole. And finally

A thank you to Stuart Williams and Mary Farrah, who both stepped down from their Council positions due to family commitments, their roles were not replaced as they became part of the Regional Commander program prior to resigning their Council status. Both are hard working members who helped define the club in their regions (Europe and South America respectively) and it is only fair the club acknowledges their hard work.

Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 12 find us on Click on a link to go straight to the page! Australia ter/330798997541 Oklahoma -Ge’tal Vheh Clan Sandhawk Clan California North - Teren Clan facebook.com/okmercs facebook.com/SandhawkClan facebook.com/TerenClan Oregon - Seron Clan California South East - Skirata Clan facebook.com/pages/Seron- Brazil facebook.com/SkirataAliit Clan/153902044651436 Colorado - Cerar Pennsylvania - Mav’oyala Clan South East - Vode An Clan facebook.com/CerarClan facebook.com/MavoyalaClan facebook.com/vodeanbrasil Florida - Buurenaar-Verda Clan Tennesee - Besuliik Clan facebook.com/BuurenaarVerdaClan www.facebook.com/BesuliikClan Canada Georgia/Alabama - Naast Clan Texas North - Murraan Clan Alberta - Hett’ciri Clan facebook.com/NaastClan Facebook.com/ClanMurraan facebook.com/HettciriClan Hawaii - Five-O Clan Texas South - Zakkeg Clan Manitoba - Vhetin’Ade Clan facebook.com/MMCCFiveOClan facebook.com/ZakkegClan facebook.com/VhetinAdeClan Illinois - Nexu Clan Texas West - Vhe’rang Clan facebook.com/nexuclan facebook.com/ElPasoMandalorian- Europe Iowa - Vhett Manda Clan Mercs France & Switzerland - Orar Galaar facebook.com/pages/Vhett-Manda- Utah North - Krayt Clan facebook.com/pages/Orar-Ga- Clan-Iowa-Clan/269326409760374 facebook.com/KraytClan laar/198880363536446 Kansas & Missouri - Yustapir Clan Virginia - Firestorm Clan Germany - Jai’galaar Clan facebook.com/YustapirClan facebook.com/pages/FireStorm- facebook.com/jaigalaar Kentucky - Blue Moon Clan Clan/215497981799001 United Kingdom - Vok’chi Clan facebook.com/bluemoonclan Washington State South - Teren- facebook.com/VokChi Maine - Wampa Clan tatek Clan facebook.com/wampaclan facebook.com/Terentatek Mexico Michigan - Suumpir’ade Clan Individual members - Freelancers facebook.com/pages/Suumpirade- Guild BigFang Clan Clan/145958115445626?ref=hl facebook.com/FreelancersGuild facebook.com/BigFangClan.Mexico New England South - Firaxan Clan facebook.com/pages/Firaxan- United States of America Clan/209035755782777 Arizona - Shonare Vhekadla Clan North Carolina - Talon Clan facebook.com/azmandomercs facebook.com/talonclan California (LA) -Manda’galaar Clan Ohio - Rancor Clan facebook.com/#!/pages/Manda- facebook.com/rancorclan galaar-Clan-Los-Angeles-Chap-

13 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry LITTLE A BIT OF FUN...

CAPTION CONTEST The winner is Shane Dix with: “The bounty on you is not one, but two cookies!”

Answers from last issue What’s my name? Pello Scrambas Quick Quiz: 1. Akira Kurosawa. 2. Chewbacca’s look and Indiana Jones’ name were both influenced by George Lucas’ dog. 3. Three. 4. C-3P0 5. Six.

Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry 14 EARPRACTICAL ADVICE GABBY... FOR THE PRACTICAL WARRIOR No. I have no clue why they asked me to do this either, but I guess we’re stuck with each other. Personally, I’d rather you all dealt with your own problems, but I lost a game of Sabaac to the Editor, fell short on my debt and for some reason I am paying him back by answering your questions.

Here’s my first piece of advice, never play the Editor at Sabaac!

Anyway, let’s see what you Mandos have gotten yourself into this time!

Theiving little Jawa!

Dear Gabby,

The value of Verps? I’ve recently become aware that my Jawa roomate... let’s call him “Bob,” has been eye-balling my cybernetic droid arm. Now, “Bob” doesn’t seem like a bad guy, in fact we’ve hung out and enjoyed a few Corellian Ales together, Dear Gabby but I can’t help feeling like I may wake up the next morning in need of a new prosthetic. Is there anyway I can approach him about it Why are Verpines so popular lately if they’re so fragile? If we depend on sturdy beskar’gam to keep us alive, without coming off as a total nerf-herder? why do we fawn over weapons that we’re afraid to D Zul bump or drop? Our weapons need to be as sturdy as our ‘gam, or has this Mando missed something vital? Did someone forget they were Mandalorian here or Fenrir what??

Verpine weapons use gravity coils to fire objects at Grab the little chakaar by his little brown cloak and speed and silently, they are perfect if you want to hit describe to him what will happen should your arm something from a distance. There is rumour that the suddenly go missing. Then buy him a drink to show no shatter rifle can fire projectiles so fast that even a Jedi hard feelings. has trouble deflecting the rounds. Rancor with the runs!

I think they are popular because they are easy to use Dear Gabby, and can fool the casual observer into thinking you’re a great shot when you are average at best, hitting every On my last trip to PetCorp. I realized that I’ve just been time with a blaster carbine is a feat, so a verp keeps up buying whatever Rancor food is on clearance. My Ran- the tradition of Mercs being the best. Personally, I think cor, his name’s Tiny, has been really gassy lately and I that’s cheating! think it’s because of the cheap food I’ve been buying. Woes with Womp Rats. Do you know any brands that you would recommend? Should I buy dry or wet food? Also, I’ve heard of some Dear Gabby, people who just feed their Rancors Weequays, but I read on the ‘Holonet’ that Weequays are hard to Earlier in the year I had read about other mando digest, and cause irregularity. I don’t think they make soldiers in the field using their helmets as pots Activia for Rancors. What do you suggest? to cook with in the field when you have no other utensils. I tried this and made an amazing Womp Ran Rat stew...but now even after washing the helmet at least five times I can’t get the smell out. Any Rancors have pretty sturdy digestive systems but tips? cheap food tends to put vegetable matter in with all the wholesome meat that a Rancor deserves. Taglar I personally like to throw a Jedi or two to a Rancor, Yes, stop listening to advice columns and if you with their mysterious Force thing going on, it really can’t do that try Bantha Stew instead, it takes cures the digestive system. Womp rat stains out of the rug at least! Make sure you remove the lightsaber first though... 15 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry

Launched on December 1st 2007, Keldabe Talk Radio discusses all things Mandalorian and Man- dalorian Mercs related. With a dedicated team made up of Mercs members, the show airs once a month and is ready to tackle the hot topics regarding Star Wars.

FIND US ON THE MERCS FROM THE EDITOR As PR Officer for the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club, I get to speak to a varied and interesting bunch of people, and one of the things I dis- tinctly remember being told at the start of 2012 was “...unfortunately, 2012 looks like it’s going to be the ‘Year of the Jedi’.”

It seemed the case early on in 2012, ‘The Phantom Menace’ featured none of the iconic characters we represent as a club, but as the year went on, as we got closer to Celebration, it felt like it was a great year to be a Mandalorian.

I have to congratulate everyone involved with the Mercs’ booth at Celebration VI, from the photos it looked fantastic and I must admit a twinge of regret not being there to celebrate five years of the Mercs with my vode.

Of course, late 2012 was when this magazine was first proposed and put together and it took a lot of hard work from individuals and the News Team group. I hope that the first ever issue really captured your imagination and gave you a feel for the way the Mercs feels about Mandalorians and Star Wars in general.

2013 has also started off strong for the Mandalorians, the Clone Wars really hitting 2013 hard with the Death- watch at the centre of what looks to be an epic feud. Already we can take away from the teasers that “Clans” are now established Star Wars ‘canon’, Mandalorians live by a ‘warrior code’, not your run of the mill thugs and mercenaries and, of course, Mandalorians kick shebs when it gets down and dirty.

However, whilst Lucasfilm thrust Mandalorians into the spotlight, it really brings home how big a responsibility we have as a club to ensure that we, as a costume group, only show the best of us. We are the ‘Elite Mandalo- rian Costume Club’ and we have no intentions of letting our standards slip.

When you sign onto the Mercs you accept the rules of the club. With both the Grandfather Clause (a rul- ing allowing members who passed CRLs, before we updated them, to be allowed at Official events) being removed and members not living up to their agreement of one troop per year, we have had to say a solemn ‘goodbye’ to some members.

I also have to address the patience of some of our up and coming members, whilst our standards seem high and our members seem tough on you, being a My favorite photo of 2012, to me it really brings out the Mandalorian means a little bit more than wearing spirit of being a Mandalorian. fancy armour, it’s a passion.

I’d like to say to you that 2013 is the Year of the Mandalorian, I hope that you will be able to be a part of making that prediction come true.

If you would like to write to me about any part of Battlecry, want to talk about Mandalorians or Star Wars in general, please email me at [email protected] with the subject title as “Letter to the Editor”. 17 Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry THE END CREDITS

EDITORIAL WITH THANKS TO

Richard “Saz” Whittaker James “Lucas McCoy” Clarke

Tom “Mandalore the Uniter” Hutchens Niabi

Dana Black CONTRIBUTORS Ratiin Adenn Jeremy “Boba Fett” Bulloch

Richard Whittaker PHOTOGRAPHS BY Tom Hutchens Matt “Riv Serulius” Zeher Sean “Thaxos” Thomson Kate “Nala” Giles

Mandalorian Mercs Battle Cry is the Magazine of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club, no copyright infringe- ment intended and all known credits given. Contact Richard Whittaker via [email protected] regarding this magazine.

The Mandalorian Mercs is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans and volunteers. It is the elite Mandalorian costuming organization. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. ©2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™ All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Photo by Formal Vader